More than 8,000 vehicles operating as illegal taxis have been seized in the first six months of the year, according to Shanghai police yesterday.

More than 4,000 police officers had taken part in the crackdown against illegal taxis. The seized vehicles included motorbikes and cars.

Police seized nearly 100 knives that the drivers or workers on the vehicles carried.

Police suspected the weapons would be used to threaten passengers in disputes of fares.

Police said they were fortifying supervision at areas where illegal cabs often operate such as airports, docks and highway toll stations.

Police said the illegal taxi business was expanding quickly in the city and they were under pressure to stop the illegal business operators.

(Shanghai Daily July 10, 2006)